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Local mechanics Can Make You Reach Dead End

By Mrs Gupta, Section News
Posted on Sat Jan 20, 2007 at 03:31:56 AM EST

With reports of cars catching fire becoming frequent, experts warn that the desire to save a few bucks by going to the local mechanic instead of an authorised car service centre could cost one dear. Basic precautions and knowledge of the causes that lead to fires in vehicles can go a long way in preventing any untoward incident.

According to experts, Friday's fire could have been caused due to a fuel leak, though they maintain that central locking systems fitted by the company seldom get jammed. ``The ignition temperature of petrol is 470 degrees Celsius. If it falls on a part which is hotter, it will immediately burst into flames and the car could blow up. This could also happen in case servicing is not proper,'' explained professor S Maji, head of department, mechanics, DCE.

DOS & DON'TS

Avoid getting accessories from unauthorised dealers

Check the temperature gauge for indications of engine overheating

The engine indicator light should turn off within seven seconds of starting the car. If that doesn't happen, something is amiss

Check car battery for traces of acid getting solidified. Acid is highly inflammable

Check car for any leaks before you start

Get CNG and LPG kits fitted only by authorised dealers

Don't smoke inside the car. The fabric on the car's seats can catch fire

Experts are of the opinion that car accessories fitted by unauthorised dealers can prove to be highly dangerous. ``Company-fitted central locking systems cannot get jammed but one cannot rely on devices of local companies,'' said car expert Hormazd Sorabjee.

The primary reason for vehicles suddenly catching fire, feel experts, is short circuiting in the vehicle. Cars previously did not have too many features and hence incidents of short circuiting were rarely reported. Modern cars, with numerous electronic controls like central locking, power windows, multi point fuel injection etc have complicated and extensive wiring. There is an electronic control unit (ECU) which provides power to the controls. ``When accessories are put by local mechanics, they often tamper with the ECU. These accessories draw power from existing wires which with friction can cause sparks. The wires are often just loosely taped with each other making them more unsafe,'' the spokesperson of a leading car manufacturing company said.

However, faulty wiring is rarely a manufacturing defect. ``Car manufacturers take great pains to ensure that their product is of a certain quality. Maybe one in thousands may have a defect. However, it is when owners take their vehicles to local mechanics that the problem arises. Inexperienced or simply ignorant mechanics can mess up with the wiring. They may also use inferior quality parts which make the vehicles extremely unsafe,'' said S Bhowmick of Delhi College of Engineering (DCE).

Another case, added Maji, is when there is no lubrication between two parts which leads to friction. This is a rare case but can occur, again, if servicing is not done properly.

Source- Times Of India, Dated, January-20,2007

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